short extract from that document. It is to be observed that this extract has reference to 'an instrument of seizin,' dated 29th June, 1629, in favour of 'David Moddrell, in Spittal,[1] and Isabella Small, his wife, proceeding on a charter granted by James, Earl of Montrose, Lord Graham and Mugdock, of the lands of all and whole, that pendicle of land called Spittal,' &c. The deed of 1642, then, confirms the previous grant of 1629, to
'William Modrell, miller, at Dundaff, callit the Muir Mill, ,[2] his spouse, and David Modrell, their son, on the other part (of date at Drum-phad, 29th April, 1629 years), whereby, with consent aforesaid, set in feu farm to the said William Modrell, and his spouse above named, and the langest liver of them twa, in life-rent; and to David Modrell, their son, all and haill, the said mill, mill lands, and multures, &c., and pasturage for eight ky, all lying within the barony of Dundaff, and shire of Stirling.'[3]
Upon what conditions the lands in question were held before the year 1629 my ignorance of feudal law disables me from saying; but it is plain, both from the tradition mentioned by Mr Campbell and the charters at present in
- ↑ An abbreviation of Hospital, and a common designation of small farms in certain parts of Scotland. Lands so called had formed portions of the extensive possessions of the military order of Knights Hospitallers.
- ↑ Blank in the original.
- ↑ I am indebted for the transcription of this passage to my friend Dr John Smith, the well-known Secretary to the Maitland Club.
